Sunday Verse 1 From DeHavelle.com

When I nominated Keith DeHavelle for The Food For Thought Award, I did so with some trepidation. I don’t doubt he finds himself nagged by Christians to convert from time-to-time. However, that was not my motivation. Would I like him to convert? Of course I would, but is already familiar with the Bible. If he does not find God’s Word persuasive, what could I add?

So why did I proceed with the nomination? After reading his blog, I decided Keith had found much to admire in our nation’s Christian heritage, and he is a defender of many Christian values. In addition, I believed could and would (if he could be persuaded to do so) provide an interesting, honest and objective discussion of the Bible. In an era when foolish people strive to belittle the Bible’s historical relevance, we need bloggers willing and capable of discussing the Bible’s role in history.

is quite capable. Here he begins his first installment.

Part of my task, in accepting this award, is to write about seven Biblical verses that I have found useful or inspirational. I am up for this — while I am not personally religious, I have been interested in religion for a very long time as part of my general interest in people and history. To this end, I’ve read the Bible (originally in the King James version, and after sampling a number of others I am most fond of Young’s Literal Translation from the 1880s), most of the Book of Mormon and Bhagavad-Gita and a large portion of the Qur’an and some (relatively few are in English) Sunnah and al-Hadith (Islam has three different holy texts, which play different but important roles in Islamic society). I’ve read bits and pieces of foundational works of other religions as well, from Scientology (founded on a bet by an SF author) to some Raellian materials (whew!).(continued here)

As Keith continues, he delves into the meaning a passage from 2 Corinthians and relates it to current events. Visit Sunday Verse 1. I think you will find the time well spent.

Words From The Past

As I have said, there are two points or two characteristics of the Radical programme which it is your special duty to resist. One concerns the freedom of individuals. After all, the great characteristic of this country is that it is a free country, and by a free country I mean a country where people are allowed, so long as they do not hurt their neighbours, to do as they like. I do not mean a country where six men may make five men do exactly as they like. That is not my notion of freedom.

Speech to the third annual banquet of the Kingston and District Working Men's Conservative Association (13 June, 1883).

'The Marquis Of Salisbury At Kingston', The Times (14 June 1883), p. 7.